August 21, 2003   LIEBERMAN, DODD ANNOUNCE NEW ROUND OF GRANTS TO CONNECTICUT FIRE FIGHTERS   WASHINGTON - Four Connecticut fire departments will receive more than $150,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman announced today. Broad Brook, Bungay, Suffield and Woodstock fire departments will get funds for new equipment and safety and training programs. “Connecticut firefighters often are the first on the scene of a catastrophe. They shouldn’t be last when it comes to getting critically important resources,” said Dodd. “Thankfully this assistance - while only a start - can begin to address those tremendous shortcomings and provide our firefighters with the help they need and deserve.” "Connecticut’s firefighters work tirelessly to protect our citizens," Lieberman said. “We owe it to them, and to the residents they are charged with protecting, to ensure that they receive the best equipment and the best training available." DHS awards the money as part of the Assistance for Fire Fighters Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fire Administration. The funds will be used for fire fighter health and safety programs, new fire fighting apparatuses, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs. The following fire stations will receive grant awards: • Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department $40,401 • Bungay Fire Brigade, Inc. $58,450 • Suffield Fire Department $17,100 • Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association $36,648 The awards were made possible by the FIRE Act of 2000, a law authored by Dodd and co-sponsored by Lieberman that gives local fire departments the ability to purchase new equipment, hire new personnel, and initiate education and training programs. Since the FIRE Act was enacted, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), now a part of DHS, has distributed more than 7,100 grants for a total of more than $420 million to help fire departments across the country strengthen their response capabilities. -30-   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510